★ IRAN
Iran Ties Hormuz Reopening to US Concessions
Iran said an agreement with Oman on reopening the Strait of Hormuz is nearing completion but will depend on US concessions, including compensation for wartime damage, an end to military threats and sanctions, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Tehran also demands an end to the US naval blockade before restoring commercial shipping.
Iran Releases First Video of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
Iran’s Mehr News released an undated, under-15-second video appearing to show Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei speaking with men, his first public footage since succeeding his father. State media said President Masoud Pezeshkian met Khamenei in late July to discuss military and economic issues, while a Basij official promised more footage amid speculation over Khamenei’s health.
Iran’s Economy Suffers Heavy Losses After Months of War
Iran has suffered severe economic losses from the war, with Tehran estimating direct and indirect damage at $270 billion. Oil exports plunged, cutting billions in revenues, while the maritime blockade disrupted trade, production and investment. Inflation surged to 87.9%, the rial weakened sharply, and the economy is expected to contract 5.4% in 2026.
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★ U.S.A
Trump Eases Iran Pressure, Lets Economic Crisis Force Concessions
Trump said the US is “low-keying” its Iran approach and “semi-negotiating,” allowing economic pressure to weaken Tehran instead of pursuing military escalation. He said Iran’s severe financial crisis and US naval blockade could force concessions, while oil prices have fallen to about $75. Iran has demanded new conditions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and denies direct talks with Washington. Internal divisions persist over whether to reach a deal.
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★ GULF STATES
Houthis Attack Saudi Aramco Refinery With Drone
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said they targeted Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery with a drone, causing a fire that Saudi authorities later extinguished without reported injuries. The group also claimed missile and drone strikes on Yemen’s Mocha port, where Yemeni officials said seven people were killed and infrastructure suffered severe damage.
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★ SYRIA
Syria Regains Control of Two Key Mediterranean Military Bases
Syria and Russia agreed to reorganize Moscow’s military presence, with Damascus taking control of Hmeimim air base and Tartus port’s commercial berth, while military facilities become joint training centers. The transition will be completed within three months, reshaping bilateral security ties and preserving Moscow’s strategic presence under new arrangements.
Israel Expands Southern Syria Presence, Plans Long-Term Control
Israel is expanding its military presence in southern Syria under “New East,” shifting from temporary incursions toward long-term control. The army has completed about 80% of a fortified trench network and established nine military posts from Mount Hermon to Jordan, while increasing raids, checkpoints, searches and arrests across Syrian villages.
Syria Arrests Nine-Member ISIS Cell Near Israel Border
Syrian security forces arrested a nine-member ISIS cell in Khan Arnabah, Quneitra, near the Israel-Syria demilitarized zone. Authorities said the cell collected weapons, transported explosives, and supported ISIS operations, with its leader linked to attacks across Syria. The arrests come amid a wider campaign that detained 235 ISIS members during Q2 2026.
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★ ISRAEL
US Pressures Israel to End Fighting Across Iran, Lebanon, Gaza
Israel’s Channel 13 reported that Washington is pressuring Israel to end fighting in Iran, Lebanon and Gaza, with CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper delivering the message during a recent visit. The US seeks further Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and progress toward deploying a multinational force in Gaza, while Israel insists on retaining freedom to counter Iranian nuclear and missile threats.
Netanyahu Rejects Gaza Plan, Rules Out Palestinian State
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a 15-point Gaza proposal, saying the IDF will not withdraw until Hamas is disarmed. He also ruled out a Palestinian state, vowed Iran would not obtain nuclear weapons, and said Israel continues operations against Hezbollah while negotiating with Washington over Hamas disarmament.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Destroys Hezbollah Tunnel and Weapons Site in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli army said it destroyed a Hezbollah underground weapons site in southern Lebanon over the past week, uncovering rifles, rockets, anti-tank launchers and RPG shells. An Israeli airstrike also hit Mansouri as tensions continued. The operation comes amid talks over a security framework involving Hezbollah’s disarmament, Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese army deployment.
Hezbollah Faces Severe Financial Crisis During Tightening Banking Restrictions
Hezbollah is facing its worst financial crisis in years as war losses, US sanctions and tighter Lebanese banking restrictions disrupt funding. The group has suspended supporter compensation while prioritizing military spending. Iran has increased assistance, but reportedly not enough to meet costs, forcing Hezbollah to rely more heavily on informal money transfers.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Raids Iranian-Linked Drone Networks and Weapons Caches
Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service raided suspected Iranian-linked drone production networks and weapons caches in Baghdad, uncovering equipment and arms and arresting three armed operatives. The operation was reportedly based on intelligence and detailed maps provided by regional partners, marking a significant security move against armed networks in the capital.
Iraq Forms New Operations Command to Secure Al-Muthanna Desert
Iraq announced the formation of a new “Desert Operations Command” to strengthen security in Al-Muthanna’s desert region bordering Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The command will expand military deployment and coordination with other forces, aiming to enhance stability and border security in the strategic southwestern province.
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★ Disclaimer: This publication is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.
